Water-based coating compositions or paint having improved gloss retention, including a latex or water-dispersible polymer, a UV-VIS absorber comprising a substituted benzophenone capable of being a free radical generator, a hindered amine light stabilizer, and optionally a low-VOC coalescent provided in a preferably desired amount. A composition comprising a blend a UV-VIS absorber comprising a substituted benzophenone capable of being a free radical generator, a hindered amine light stabilizer, and a low-VOC coalescent, providing a thermally-stable coalescent that can be used in a paint formulation for gloss retention. Gloss retention of paints containing the UV-VIS absorber and hindered amine light stabilizer being markedly improved over paints that do not have both components present.